1997 Fiat Bravo HLX 1.8 petrol

Summary:

A stylish, quick hatch with affordable insurance

General Comments:

My reasons for purchasing this car were based primarily on its looks. The design is extremely stylish, original and solid.

The 1.8 16v unit on the car performs very well if worked hard, but at the same time the car remains composed when driven at slower speeds.

All functions of the car including the gear-change, acceleration and steering are smooth and precise in operation.

My example is a metallic, ice blue colour complimented well by a discrete hatch spoiler, small circular fog lights and attractive 15" fiat alloys.

On first impressions the Bravo seems to have a far more involved, sporting personality than my Megane and thankfully lacks the latter cars crunchy gear change and vague steering.

Unfortunately as I have only just purchased the car I am unable to pass judgement on its reliability, running costs etc...

Because it looks sooo good that it can do no wrong anyway!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th January, 2002

12th Jul 2005, 04:41

The Fiat Bravo is a stylish looking car. I owned a Black (97/P) 1.8 hlx. To look at the car was stunning; totally colour coded 15" alloys, rear spoiler, front fogs.

The engine on this car is a good all-rounder, comfortable meandering around towns and cities, but also fun and exciting on open roads. 115bhp wrapped up in a stylish chassis and only group 8 insurance.

The equipment levels are reasonable. Mine had remote central locking with alarm, e/w, e/m, PAS, ABS and airbags.

I owned the car for just over 12 months and the reason I sold it was the plain and simple fact reliability was dreadful! The first day I bought it the cover for the cat fell off, a bad omen for the trouble that ensued.

I had the exhaust from the manifold to the cat replaced three times within 6 months, luckily the part was under warranty, but still inconvenient.

The electrics sometimes worked, but not always as anticipated. The passenger window was very slow, and the driver’s window often cut out half way.

The rear wiper used to fuse, and stick in the middle of the rear windscreen. I never managed to get the heated screen to work.

The car was also quite heavy on petrol. Less than 30mpg average which I was disappointed with.

The windscreen would constantly steam up with the slightest hint of any form of precipitation.

Overall the car was fun to drive, and never actually broke down, but the car was riddled with problems, which meant that it was never out of the garage! If you really want one then buy one, but don’t expect trouble free motoring!

1997 Fiat Bravo HGT 2.0 20v petrol

Summary:

A chic sporty alternative with plenty of appeal

Faults:

- Broken driver's seat frame.

- Driver's window stopped working.

- Rear section of the exhaust fell off.

- Heated seat stopped working.

- Alarm plipper on the key broke.

- Needed a new clutch master cylinder.

- Noisy brakes.

- Broken air vent control.

General Comments:

Despite some problems, I've thoroughly enjoyed the last 3.5 years with this car. It looks great, really standing out from the crowd, and the 5 cylinder engine is a real gem and sounds great!

The car's never failed to start and I've always found it to be comfortable on long journeys. Overall, everything feels well screwed together, although some of the components themselves seem a bit fragile.

The design of the interior is still quite fresh, although the quality of some of the plastics now seems poor when compared with more modern rivals.

I would normally be looking forward to changing cars well before the 3 year mark, and the fact that I'm still thoroughly enjoying the Bravo highlights its appeal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2000

1997 Fiat Bravo TD100 SX 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Underrated high-speed cruiser

Faults:

Fuel pipe began leaking, leading to 20mpg fuel consumption. Pipe split one week later, 3 gallons of diesel over the back of the engine (lucky it didn't catch fire!)

Exploding washer nozzles.

Slow electric windows.

Turbo non-functioning (just after fuel leak, may have been caused by airlock).

General Comments:

I should have known better after my previous Fiat (the Punto gearbox shredded syncro on 2nd after 17,000 miles), so I wasn't surprised by the fuel leak after just two weeks of ownership. That said, as with the last one, the teething faults have disappeared, and it is fine.

It is really quick (as several hot hatches have found out), yet still cheap on insurance (important at 19), only grumble is the lack of grunt at the top and bottom end (midrange is still breathtaking though!).

I did 80 miles a day to work and back for 3 months, and it always felt good, even when travelling 4 up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2000

20th Jul 2004, 10:06

I have a Fiat Bravo SX TD100 of 1997, and the only thing that I don't like is the fact of the fuel economy is so high... that I have to drive so, but so slow, that even trucks have to pass by me. Not evrytime... but sometimes, it does happens. But it's a nice car... the Comfort is quite impressive and the performance is amazing.